Usually, uninstalling an application in Windows is as easy as using the built-in Control Panel utility. You’ve heard us recommend third-party uninstallers like Revo before, but when are they really necessary? Our friends at the How-To Geek explain when it’s worth using a more aggressive uninstaller.

In general, they say, the average user probably doesn’t need a third-party uninstaller—so there’s no reason to foist one upon your family and friends. If they only uninstall a few apps from time to time, it isn’t going to make a noticeable difference. However, if you like to try out a lot of apps—like we geeks are prone to do—that’s where programs like Revo become more relevant:

If you’re a geek who’s constantly installing and uninstalling software, running a third-party uninstaller can help you prevent useless files from building up and programs from leaving useless libraries and other files behind. You do have to be constantly installing and uninstalling software for this to matter—typical users shouldn’t really notice a difference. Even hardcore geeks would be fine without third-party uninstallers in the vast majority of situations, and such geeks would likely know how to clean up any problems by hand. If any problems did occur, you could always install something like Revo later and use it to remove traces of a problematic program that you’ve already tried to uninstall the normal way.

They also mention that antivirus programs can be notoriously difficult to uninstall, so third-party installers are worthwhile if you’re switching from one to another. Check out their full explainer for more details, and if you use a third-party uninstaller, let us know which one—and why—in the comments.